P A T O   O’ W A R D   

 

Interview}  Ken Waller

Photographs by}  John Russo 

Produced by}  Photohouse Productions 

Grooming} Sydney Sollod

Styling} Sydney Lopez

 

KW:  Can you share the story of how you started racing and what inspired you to pursue a career in IndyCar?

PW:  I started racing when I was six years old. My grandfather is the culprit for starting my obsession with adrenaline; so cars, airplanes, dirt bikes, motorcycles, all those kind of things. I feel like my career in many ways did not follow a normal trajectory because I raced all kind of different things, not just following the INDYCAR ladder system. I did a lot in Europe, then prototype endurance racing, but that eventually led me into the world of INDYCAR. I won the Indy Lights championship and that’s really what catapulted me into INDYCAR. Other than that, I just have a passion for racing, which started with Formula 1 but then evolved into INDYCAR and all other kinds of racing.

 

KW: What are your long-term goals in racing, and do you see yourself transitioning to Formula 1 in the future?

PW: My biggest goal in racing is to win the Indianapolis 500. I would love to be an INDYCAR Champion as well. It would be great to tackle the challenge of Formula 1. I’m really close to those first two, so I’m happy with where my progress is so far. I’m just enjoying my time as a racing driver.

 

KW: How do you balance the demands of your racing career with your personal life, and what do you do to unwind?

PW:  I like to spend a lot of time on the beach, that helps me unwind a lot. Eating well, spending time outside not on my phone. I feel like everyone is a slave to their phones now, so the more time I have a chance to not be on it, I try to stay away from it. I haven’t found the perfect balance yet because work consumes my life. As the years go on, the busier I get, and it’s somewhat easy to lose your own standing in your life with being so focused on work. It’s still a work in progress. I wouldn’t say I’ve found the balance because I definitely haven’t.

 

KW: What kind of legacy do you hope to leave in the world of motorsport, and how do you want to be remembered?

PW: I don’t want to be like anyone else; I want to be me. I want to be my own character and personality. I want to be somebody that leaves something behind for future generations and that inspires people. I’m grateful and happy that I get to do this and do something that can make a difference. I want to inspire people to work towards something and accomplish their goals, whatever they are. That’s what drives me. I mentioned some of those bigger goals, and I hope I reach them. But I want to be remembered as someone that gave everything 100%, took advantage of my opportunities and did something good not just for his family, but for a community. There’s a difference between living and living – that’s what I want to do and how I want to be remembered.

 

KW: What advice would you give to young aspiring racers who dream of making it to the top levels of motorsport?

PW: I would say be ready to sacrifice everything for it. It’s not going to come easy at all. Understand your identity and find what works for you. There are millions of people trying to tell what to do and what not to do. I feel like the only person that truly knows what’s best for you is yourself, so trust your gut.

 

KW: Can you share a memorable moment from your racing career that stands out to you?

PW: Definitely my first INDYCAR win at Texas Motor Speedway. It was my first legit professional win on a big stage. It was a very special moment and it still is.

 

To learn more about Pato follow him @patriciooward